May their Swedish stories & collections be shared online; and, one day, may a "museum or virtual museum" be established to honor them.

" The Other Swedes "~ Recognizing & Honoring Them ~

- T H E L I N D S B O R G S W E D E S -

As their descendants will surely agree, not all of the Lindsborg Swedes are listed here, nor can they be, as the early farming and business stories of the other Swedes are surely missing! Hopefully, these will be shared one day by others closest to these Swedes.

Therefore, as you review the lists below, think also of the "unlisted ones," who also were the Swedish pioneers and builders of Lindsborg, those contemporaries and friends of Emil's and Lydia's. Yet, equally important, think on their "unnamed descendants," a few of whom appear in the listings, who are carrying on the ongoing conservation work and promoting efforts of this community'sSwedish cultural and heritage.

This exercise of recognition and honor can only be describe as a tiny tribute for the enormous contributions that each made, and, is making, in their humble quiet endeavors, in their callings -- of recording and saving the history; of keeping alive the Holy Spirit of Christian faith, the Swedish traditions, the links to Sweden and to the Swedish Crown, and the ongoing sacrificial giving, through funds or other in-kind gifts to higher education at Bethany Lutheran College coupled with overwhelming support of the arts and faithful chorus participation in the oratorio Holy Easter Week Messiah performances, which brought national and international focus on their great little Swedish community and its College; and, in-so-doing created their "Camelot" years!

May we recall and cherish each enduring legacy they left to us, as their descendants, friends, and others "let the light so shine on their good works," and, in so doing, "give God the glory!"( Note that the population of Lindsborg grew from approximately 500 in 1880 to 2,000 in 1940 to 3,500 in 2010* )

Swedes in Science & Bethany College Museum Curators*Johan August Udden--Bethany College first professor, curator and Museum founder; and Knighted by Swedish Crown+Dr. John Eric Welin -- Bethany College professor and Museum curatorJacob Westlund -- Bethany College professor and Museum curatorDr. Emil O. Deere -- Bethany College professor and Museum curator (67+ years at Bethany)Dr. Leon Lungstrom -- Bethany College professor and Museum assistant curator to DeereFirst Swedish Bethany College Museum CollectorsJohan August Udden, Dr. John Rundstrom, Professor Lindholm, Otto Hawkinson, George Sohlberg, Luther Dahlsten, A. Agrelius, Oscar Hubbard, Luther Swenson, Hugo Jacobson, David Bjorn, J. A. AndersonNote: This museum of 1880 is no longer a part of Bethany College as it collections of "Pioneer Life" and "Natural History" became part of the McPherson County Old Mill Museum in 1967 as planned by Dr. Deere, due to the 1968 projected razing of the Museum's Bethany College home, Old Main. To learn more, go HERE.

Mark and Mardel Esping, Founders of the Swedish-American Folklife Center

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Through Their Swedish Traditions

Locally in Lindsborg, like in every other Swedish American community in the United States and around the world, the traditional Christmas Saint Lucia Ceremony and the Jullota Church Service are celebrated as well as the June Midsummers Festival. Yet, unique, to Lindsborg is the celebration of the October Svensk Hyllningsfest, a biennial Swedish American pioneer festival. It was originally organized in 1941 by a Dutchman, Dr. William Howerda. (He, of course, became an honorary Lindsborg Swede as many non-Swedes have in Lindsborg for similar contributions.) With this Lindsborg Swedish American festival is chosen a King and Queen, of mature ages, in their 70s or older. Chosen in 2003 were Steve and Patty Karstadt .They are perfect examples of the Swedes Svensk Hyllningsfest Kings and Queens who preceded and followed them as they were devoted and committed Swedes and great promoter of Lindsborg's Swedishness. To learn more, go HERE.

+ Bethany College Swedish Knights, Honored Ladies and Gentlemen: To learn more, go HERE!* Listed chronologically** Listed alphabeticallyNOTE:A good portion of Swedes on the above list may well be Bethany College graduates and a few Augustana College graduates!

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OLOF OLSSONTHE SWEDISH SPIRITUAL FATHER AND FOUNDER OF LINDSBORG, KANSAS